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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Boko Haram Attack UN Hub in Borno, Kill 6, Wound Many

Boko Haram Attack UN Hub in Borno, Kill 6, Wound Many

The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) wing of Boko Haram attacked Damasak in Mobbar local government area of Borno State Saturday night, killing six people and wounding many soldiers.

Unconfirmed sources said the casualties were far higher.

The United Nations, which condemned the attack, said it could cause serious humanitarian challenges.

Nigerian Sketch learnt that the assailants attacked the United Nations Hub housing all the workers of the international organization in Damasak, which was established to fast track support for victims of Boko Haram excesses.

The insurgents weresaid to have stormed Damasak in the evening and engaged the troops from multiple locations, which led to the burning down of the UN hub and others infrastructures.

While some of the terrorists were engaging the troops at their camps, others were busy burning NGOs warehouses near the UN hub.

The residence of the traditional ruler of Damasak, and the Norwegian Refugees Commission (NRC) facilities at Fulatari Ward, were reported to have been torched.

Military authorities said Nigerian troops had repelled the violent group, killed some of the attackers while others fled with injuries, claiming that the attack was foiled by the troops with the help of air support.

A military source said two soldiers lost their lives and three others sustained various degrees of injuries.

The Chairman of Mobbar LGA, Mustapha Bunu Kolo, told journalists that he was  worried by the attack.

“Yes, there was a devastating Boko Haram attack in Damasak yesterday night…The insurgents destroyed all humanitarian hubs and their facilities after carting away foodstuff at one of their main warehouses.

“The insurgents also went to General Hospital and carted away medical consumables with a brand new ambulance stationed at the facility,” Kolo said.

UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Edward Kallon, condemned the destruction of their humanitarian hub and other NGOs.

He said in a statement on Sunday that “I am deeply concerned about recurrent reports of violent attacks by non-state armed groups putting the lives of civilians under risks.

“Last night and through the morning, a violent attack in Damasak town, in Borno State, was reported with three international aid partners’ facilities directly targeted, set ablaze, and sustained damage. I continue to be concerned about the safety and security of civilians and humanitarian workers.

“I strongly condemn the attack, as humanitarian aid operations and facilities are the lifeline for people affected by violence and conflict in northeast Nigeria who are dependent on assistance to survive.

“Humanitarian operations in Damasak will be reduced due to the violent attack, which will affect the support to 8,800 internally displaced people and 76,000 people in the host community receiving humanitarian assistance and protection there.

 

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Faruk Khalil
Faruk Khalilhttps://nigeriansketch.com/
Khalil Faruk (Deputy Editor-in-Chief), has a Bachelors and Master's degree in Political Science and has worked as a reporter, features editor and Deputy Editor-in-Chief respectively in a leading Nigerian daily. He has undergone trainings in journalism, photo journalism and online journalism within and outside Nigeria.

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